World’s Best: National Post

National Post, Toronto, Canada

Cir. 75,000 – 174-999 (Daily)

Judges’ Statement

The National Post lures its readers in with a sultry beauty, and then captivates them with an authoritative attitude that makes this Canadian daily a must-read.

This newspaper — always elegant, always powerful — stands out as a World’s Best this year for its excellence in, and devotion to, true visual storytelling. From its dramatic use of illustration, even on its front page, to its combination of photos, graphics and text on stories like the tsunami in Japan, the Post utilizes every visual tool in its arsenal to perfection.

The base structure of the Post is well-defined and delivers a stunning, unique look, starting with the vertical nameplate on Page 1 and continuing with the horizontal “workspace” at the top of each inside page. This space’s diversity, with the bold use of horizontal images, breakout information or strong quotes — adds a dynamic start to every page in the book.

The exacting commitment to its design style is admirable, and the attention to detail throughout the book is impressive. Even the sports agate is lovingly designed and well-executed. No detail is left to chance, and the Post’s “voice” is evident on every page.

Finally, and most importantly, the content itself defines this publication. The “How We Died” package, complete with a two-page informational graphic, is brilliant; the Financial Post section continues to be outstanding; and the Weekend Post section is packed with elegant visual treats.

This is a paper that knows when to whisper, and knows when to shout. It chooses its words, pictures, graphics and illustrations with care. It knows its mission. And it delivers it each day … with style.

[...] announced its top 5 newspaper designs and Canada is well represented with 2 winners from Toronto: the National Post and the Grid. The three other winners also displayed strong typography coupled with memorable [...]

To be fair, more than 300,000 people reading the print version every day is hardly practically no one. At $14 a month, it’s a great value. Not quite as good a value as The Grid, but I’m just glad we have both here in Toronto.

The Post is very much out-pacing the Globe (another Toronto paper and the Post’s traditional competition)these days: in terms of visual design as well as engaging, informative content — wonderful columnists. It’s a great newspaper. If Toronto Eyes thinks people are not reading it, I think he is several years out of date.